Washington State Cougars transfer Cedric Coward committed to the Duke Blue Devils just two weeks ago. However, with the way the 2025 NBA Draft Combine is going, he might bypass that route entirely. “Despite the fact Coward will not be participating in 5-on-5 scrimmages because of a shoulder injury he sustained in November, there is growing talk about NBA personnel that Coward is going to play himself into the first round (of the 2025 NBA Draft),” reports ESPN’s Jeff Borzello.
‘Growing Talk’ Duke Transfer Cedric Coward Vying For First-Round Draft Spot
Coward is one of the prospects that has been highlighted by Last Word on Sports, with his scouting report found here.
A skilled scorer, Coward could find early success against second units due to his shrewd shot-creation and playmaking. However, he’s also a career 38.8 percent shooter from 3. Thus, he’d likely thrive alongside other and potentially more established talents in an off-ball role as well.
Defensively, Coward needs to improve on-ball. Yet, he’s an event creator, notably amassing a surprising number of blocks at 6-foot-6. If his defensive role is more focused on rotations than bottling ball-handlers up at the point-of-attack, he should do well.
3 of a Kind
There’s one extremely interesting statistical finding with regard to Coward’s numbers. In 2024-25, he was just one of just three wings in his draft class to average at least 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists per game while shooting at least 36 percent from 3.
Duke freshman Cooper Flagg and Colorado State fifth-year senior Nique Clifford were the two other prospects. Flagg is projected to be the top pick in the upcoming draft, which will lead him to the Dallas Mavericks. Clifford is expected to compete for a first-round draft spot.
Numbers aren’t everything when it comes to talent evaluation. Not even close. Nevertheless, the group that Coward placed himself in with his statistical accomplishments in 2024-25 lends credence to the belief that he’s worthy of and will be a first-round pick in June.
If Coward were to be selected in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft, there are multiple teams that could be interested.
The Brooklyn Nets are a rebuilding team that needs to improve its overall talent base. In the first round, they’ll have the No. 8, No. 19, No. 26, and No. 27 picks. The Orlando Magic, who have the 25th overall pick, are well aware that they need to improve their outside shooting. The Miami Heat (No. 20) and Atlanta Hawks (No. 22) both have late first-round picks and could see Coward as a fit.
Another option could be the Boston Celtics, who have the 28th overall pick. For starters, they emphasize the 3-ball more than arguably any team. Furthermore, they’ll need all hands on deck to replace Jayson Tatum, who ruptured his Achilles this week.
© David Banks-Imagn Images
